Change of Heart: an Apology and Question for Stephen A. Smith

Last Thursday, April 3^rd, at about 2:30 pm while I was listening to the Stephen A. Smith Show on 1380 the Ticket, ESPN radio in Lawton, Oklahoma, I was very surprised to hear Stephen A. make a very compelling admonishment of Chris Henry.

The tongue lashing was more than a man-to-man talk, but rather, it contained Stephen A.’s views about race, and the African-American professional athlete’s place in the society of the United States. A summary of these views which closely parallel what he said on the radio can be found here.

While I don’t agree with those opinions, it did impress me more than anything Stephen A. has ever said. I have been quite aggressive in my critiques of his poor analytical skills in the past. I have to say that this signaled that a radically different side of Stephen A. exists that probably should be let out more often.

Interestingly enough, when I went to check out the podcast of the show as research for writing this post, I found that the comments that I am referring to were not included in the podcast. That entire 10 minute section had been deleted.

Why did ESPN do this? Did they decide that Smith’s un-PC take on race in the United States didn’t represent their views? Or maybe, did Stephen A. ask them to remove it?

I cannot tell you either way. All I know is that I decided to write Stephen A. an email about it, and decided to tell him why I did not care for him.

By reading my letter you will learn a bit more about my relationship with Stephen A., and why I feel so compelled to find out more about this issue.

 Dear Mr. Smith,

 I write to you today to let you know that something you recently said on your radio show has changed my mind about you in a significant way. From the first day that you began to do NBA commentary for ESPN you constantly shout your opinions in an effort to make a point instead of citing more statistics or making more compelling arguments. It is hard for other great sports minds to work with you because you insist on speaking louder than others and not allowing them a chance to respond to your opinions. Finally, you don’t really break down the game into strategy and x’s and o’s in a way that would make any smart fan of the game satisfied. Instead, you mainly point out a particular player (usually a star from one team or the other) and say, “That guy needs to step it up."

My thoughts on this subject came to fruition on December 30, 2004, at the Palace of Auburn Hills in Detroit, Michigan. During the Pistons vs. Heat game I saw you walking down the aisle beneath the basket that Dwyane Wade would soon be dominating. As you passed my row, I yelled out, “Stephen A. Smith!!!!” At this point, hearing your name, you began to turn around in the slow.....oh yeah... fashion of a man who is excited to begin to be recognized in public. Before you turned all the way around, I finished by yelling, “You Suck!!!!!” You then abruptly turned back around and walked away briskly without taking time to see who it was that had made these comments. Most likely you did this because many of these Detroit fans began to answer my suggestion with things like, “Yeah, he does suck.” There was also much laughter.

Anyway, I made a mistake that evening. I allowed those uncouth Detroit fans to motivate a behavior that was not constructive. For that I am sorry.

This opinion (that you suck), was changed on Thursday afternoon April 3, 2008 on ESPN Radio 1380 the Ticket in Lawton, Oklahoma. It changed when I listened to you not only go after Chris Henry, but also spell out your theories on race in the United States. I must say that I did not agree with these opinions, but they were spoken in a manner that I have never heard you utter, even though I listen to large amounts of talk radio. That tirade was probably the most intelligent and analytical thing I have ever heard you say, and it was said very well. It transcended a level that I wish talk radio approached more frequently.

At the same time, there was one thing that troubled me. When I returned to the podcast, to listen to your comments again, I was surprised to find that the segment I am referring to had been removed from the podcast. Why did this occur? Was it your call, or ESPN’s? Whoever is responsible for this should have to give a reason. Was it that ESPN didn’t feel comfortable with your perspective? In any case, it is unfair that your words, worthy of study in this case, are not available for review.

I hope that you accept my apology for my past action, and respond to my question.

 Jay Urban